# Altered Mental Status

Official OCEMS reference: SO-M-020.
Collection: Standing orders. Source topic: Medical - ALS Standing Orders.
Population: All / see source. Scope: ALS.
Source index update: October 1, 2019. Source checked: 2026-09-16.

Independent OC Medic source briefing. The complete official document remains authoritative for exact requirements, exceptions, and clinical or administrative language.

## Document profile

- Document type: Clinical standing order
- Where it fits: Altered Mental Status is an official standing-order reference used to verify assessment, treatment authority, base-contact triggers, and transport direction.
- Document note: Use the complete official document for mandatory wording, exceptions, definitions, and requirements that cannot be reduced safely to directory metadata.

## Use this source safely

- Match the patient, age group, presentation, and provider scope before applying a standing-order pathway.
- Verify medication doses, repeat limits, base-contact requirements, and transport language in the complete current document.
- Check current OCEMS notices and agency direction before field use.
- When the source and a summary differ, follow the current official document and medical or operational direction.

## Related OC Medic guides

- [Altered mental status](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/altered-mental-status/): Support the airway, check glucose, assess stroke criteria, and treat poor perfusion or suspected opioid toxicity.
- [Dextrose 10% (D10)](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/dextrose/): Treat hypoglycemia with a titrated adult dose or measured pediatric volume.
- [Glucagon](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/glucagon/): IM hypoglycemia treatment when IV access cannot be established.
- [Oral glucose](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/oral-glucose/): Adult and pediatric use depends on a safe swallow, intact airway reflexes, and the matching product.

## Related official references

- [SO-M-025 - Suspected Acute Stroke or Intracranial Hemorrhage (Stroke Triage Criteria)](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-025-suspected-acute-stroke-or-intracranial-hemorrhage-stroke-triage-criteria/)
- [SO-M-055 - Suspected Sepsis](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-055-suspected-sepsis/)
- [SO-M-035 - Respiratory Distress](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-035-respiratory-distress/)
- [SO-M-015 - Allergic Reaction / Anaphylaxis](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-015-allergic-reaction-anaphylaxis/)
- [SO-M-005 - Abdominal or Flank Pain, Non-Traumatic](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-005-abdominal-or-flank-pain-non-traumatic/)
- [SO-M-010 - Hyperglycemia - Adult / Adolescent](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/so-m-010-hyperglycemia-adult-adolescent/)

## Official source

- [Open the official document](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/hca/files/import/data/files/12033.pdf)
- [View the official source index](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/providers-partners/emergency-medical-services/ems-policies-procedures-standing-orders/ems-standing)
- [OCEMS notices and system updates](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/providers-partners/emergency-medical-services)